Does Depression Have Any Herbal Medicine in Islam? (1)
Apple
From the Viewpoint of Medicine
Apple (Mauls domestica Borkh) is among the fruits which their joyous effect has been confirmed in medical science, and has been used to encounter anxiety.
In Islamic texts also the healing effect of the apple has been approved. Apple is a fruit from paradise full of Vitamins A, B and C, and also K which is used as a medicine in natural treatments or naturopathy, to prevent many diseases. Apple is a fruit full of vitamin B. Hence, it is very important for mental relaxation. It is recommended to nervous people to drink a glass of fresh apple juice daily adding some rose water. Eating an apple before going to bed can lead to better sleeping. Eating at least 3 apples a day reduces the risk of heart attack death. Its herbal tissue can reduce 16% of clogging of arteries.
Apple is a symbol of love, fertility, friendship, beauty, happiness, health, wisdom, pleasure and intensity. Apple boosts brain power; therefore it is useful for people who do intellectual works. Generally, since apple is rich in phosphor, it improves the nerves and brain. Being rich in phosphor, apple improves the nerves and helps sleeping; it means that apple can eliminate insomnia caused by daily angers and also through strengthening the intestine can help nutrient absorption and accelerates it. Sour apple cannot feed the nerves and brain by its sugar like sweet apple, and probably, like coriander, consumes a part of glucose. Besides, apple gives the heart fast happiness and joy. Effect of apple on heart is because of its potassium which affects heart faster than other organs.
Recently physicians have reported that eating apples strengthens and refreshes heart, brain and liver, and smelling it is beneficial for people who suffer from asthma and asphyxia. Smelling an apple causes blood pressure reduction. Brewed skin apple which has been sweetened with some honey, is a relaxing drink. Eating raw apple also has relaxing effect on nervous system. In addition to vitamin B group, some other elements of apple such as magnesium, and phosphorus have relaxing effects on nerves. Sweetness of apple and chewing it cause expansion of contracted facial muscles.
From the Viewpoint of Islamic Texts
Imam Baghir (AS) said: “if you want to eat an apple, first smell it, and then eat it”, he believed that it caused pains leave the body. Today, this method is being used in aromatherapy.
It has been cited from Imam Ali (AS): “apple heals: toxicity, spell, demented, body dominant phlegm; and there is nothing faster than the effect of apple”.
Imam Sadigh (AS) said: “eat apple, because it reduces the inside temperature, makes the temper cool, and treats fever”. He also said: “if people knew about the benefits of apple, to treat patients they never used any medicine except apple”.
Imam Reza (AS) said: “Holy Prophet (SAW) enjoyed looking at red apples”.
